The Gospel of Matthew: At the Crossroads of Early Christianity

Spring 2014 Lecture Series; taught by Fr. Donald Senior, CP

This course has now finished.

The Gospel of Matthew was considered the “catechism” of the early Church. Written at a time of profound transition from a Church that was firmly rooted in Judaism to one that was also reaching out to the wider Gentile world, Matthew portrays Jesus as both teacher and healer, as the Messiah and the Son of God. Matthew uses the Gospel of Mark with its strong emphasis on Jesus’ passion as a primary source but also had access to Jesus’ powerful teaching material. Through the discourses of Matthew’s Gospel, particularly the Sermon the Mount, the great ethical tradition of Judaism, as now interpreted by Jesus, became part of the heritage of Christianity. Matthew also gives attention to the life of the community, insisting on care for the “least” and limitless forgiveness.

This course explores the entire span of Matthew’s Gospel and consider its relevance for our Church today as it, too, faces a time of profound transition.

Feb 11 - May 13

K2011-1 Entire Series of 12 Lectures

Feb. 11

K2011-2 Introducing Matthew: The Context and Construction of the Gospel